while "Dark Phoenix", features some lofty and ambitious ideas about gaslighting, bad men, identity, and destiny that sound captivating, the execution is painfully clumsy and ham-fisted; a fundamentally flawed and patchy mess,
the 'X-Men' franchise wraps up with a functionally plotted sequel that attains a note of ominous majesty, thanks to Sophie Turner's presence as an X-Woman consumed by the awesomeness of her power
a whimper rather than a bang; Curiosity and the desire for completion will draw the series faithful, but the creative inspiration and public excitement that once fed the series has demonstrably dissipated
"Dark Phoenix" can't even make the most of its last outing, letting down Sophie Turner's fiery performance; The movie feels small for something with such humongous, universe-shattering stakes - and not in a good way